Gas pressure regulator

ABSTRACT

An improved pressure regulator suitable for use with paint ball guns comprises a hollow valve body and a valve mechanism for selectively releasing gas from a gas source to an output. The valve body has a unitary coupling portion, a fill port, an output port, a discharge opening, and an inlet opening. The valve body defines two confined flow passageways. The first connecting the plug chamber and the discharge opening. The second connecting the fill port and the inlet opening. The valve mechanism includes a regulator seat, a polymeric valve plug movable within the plug chamber for sealing engagement with the regulator seat, and a fluid barrier axially movable with respect to the valve body. A spring is provided for urging the fluid barrier toward the regulator seat.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to gas pressure regulators and moreparticularly to gas pressure regulators suitable for paint ball guns.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A variety of targeting and simulated battle games (e.g. capturethe flag) have been made possible by paint ball marking guns. These gunslaunch a ball of paint with a frangible shell that is designed to holdthe ball shape until striking an object after firing. Upon striking theobject, the ball is set to break open leaving a paint spot.

[0003] Paint-ball guns typically employ a firing system powered bycompressed gas such as air. Compressed air is supplied from a supplytank which is mounted to or carried with the gun. The gun systems areequipped with pressure regulators which receive gas from the tank at arelatively high pressure and deliver gas at a reduced, more consistentpressure. Whether the gun tank is freshly charged or half-spent, theregulator ideally delivers gas at the same desired pressure. The gasregulators also typically include a port for recharging the tank.

[0004] Operating (as businesses) throughout the United States areoutdoor paint-ball gun ranges, where paintball guns can be rented andoutdoor space is provided for target shooting and battle games. Suchrented paint-ball gun equipment undergoes repeated tank recharging andfrequent, rugged use. When used in this difficult rental service,conventional paint-ball gun equipment requires frequent maintenance. Inparticular, available gas pressure regulators frequently malfunction dueto mechanical fouling with dirt and paint from mishandled balls.

[0005] What is needed is a robust, lower-maintenance pressure regulatorsuitable for use with marking guns. Accordingly, the present inventionprovides a pressure regulator suitable for use with paint-ball gunequipment and including special features to improve reliability andprevent malfunction.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Pressure regulators of the present invention provide outputpressure control for rugged use. Notably, the system of the presentinvention reduces the need for component replacement and cleaning.

[0007] Pressure regulators according to the present invention include ahollow valve body having a unitary coupling portion. The couplingportion is adapted for sealed connection to a source of pressurized gas.The hollow valve body defines a fill port, an output port, a dischargeopening, and an inlet opening. The discharge and inlet openings arelocated in the coupling portion and are each in communication with thegas source.

[0008] The hollow valve body also defines a first confined flowpassageway in communication between the plug chamber and the dischargeopening and a second confined flow passageway in communication betweenthe fill port and the inlet opening.

[0009] The regulator also includes a valve mechanism in the valve bodyfor controlling the flow of gas from the gas source to the output port.The valve mechanism includes a regulator seat, a polymeric valve plugpositioned in and movable within the plug chamber for sealing engagementwith the regulator seat. The valve mechanism also includes a fluidbarrier axially movable with respect to the valve body, that togetherwith the regulator seat, defines a plenum chamber in communication withthe output port. A biasing actuator (preferably a spring with cap) isprovided for urging the fluid barrier toward the regulator seat.

[0010] Accordingly, the regulator receives high pressure gas from thesource of pressurized gas and outputs the same gas at a lower relativelyconsistent pressure.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the regulator has a spool valve in thefirst confined flow passageway for turning off the flow of gas from thegas source. The spool valve includes a spool with opposing ends slidablyengaged in a transverse socket defined in the valve body. The opposingends of the spool have tabs for convenient finger actuation. The spoolvalve is a two-position three-way valve movable from a first positionwhere the passageway is open between the gas source and the plugchamber, and a second position wherein the passageway portion towardsthe gas source is blocked and the passageway portion towards the plugchamber is open to space around the regulator.

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention can be described asfollows. The pressure regulator comprises a manifold base, a fluidbarrier subassembly, and a polymeric valve plug. The manifold base has aunitary coupling portion at one end and an open opposite end, to whichthe fluid barrier subassembly is mounted. The manifold base alsoincludes a fill port and an output port. The coupling portion is adaptedfor sealed connection to a gas source such as a supply tank. Themanifold base defines a series of important features: an axial valveguide socket in the open end, a first opening at the coupling portion, afirst confined flow passageway in communication between the fill portand the guide socket, a second inlet opening in the coupling portion anda second confined flow passageway in communication between the inletopening and the fill port.

[0013] The fluid barrier subassembly is mounted to the open end of themanifold base. The fluid barrier subassembly includes a barrier housing,a fluid barrier movable within the barrier housing, a regulator seatpositioned between the fluid barrier and the guide chamber, and atension adjustable bias actuator urging the fluid barrier toward theregulator seat. The valve seat and the guide socket together define aninner guide chamber in communication with the first confined flowpassageway and an outer plenum chamber.

[0014] The polymeric valve plug is positioned in the socket and moveabletherein for sealing engagement with the regulator seat.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In the accompanying drawings that form part of the specification,and in which like numerals are employed to designate like partsthroughout the same,

[0016]FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a pressure regulatoraccording to the present invention and selected to show details of theconfined flow passageways, the plug guide chamber, the plenum chamberand the input and output ports;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the regulator shownin FIG. 1 provided to illustrate details of the two-position three-wayspool valve;

[0018]FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view showing thespool valve in the alternate off-position;

[0019]FIG. 4 is an enlarged horizontal cross-sectional view takengenerally along the plane 4-4 of FIG. 1 with the supply tank omitted;

[0020]FIG. 5 is an enlarged horizontal cross-sectional view takengenerally along the plane 5-5 of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the regulator shown in FIG. 1with supply tank omitted;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a simplified perspective view of a regulator accordingto the present invention mounted to a compressed gas tank;

[0023]FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the regulator shownin FIG. 1 provided to illustrate details of the gauge ports;

[0024]FIG. 9 is an enlarged top plan view of the regulator shown in FIG.1; and

[0025]FIG. 10 is an enlarged bottom plan view of the regulator shown inFIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] The invention disclosed herein is, of course, susceptible ofembodiment in may different forms. Shown in the drawings and describedhereinbelow in detail are preferred embodiments of the invention. It isto be understood, however, that the present disclosure is anexemplification of the principles of the invention and does not limitthe invention to the illustrated embodiments.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, a pressure regulator 10 according to thepresent invention is shown mounted to a tank 12. Pressure regulator 10includes a hollow valve body (or main body) 14. Valve body 14 ispreferably a subassembly of two structural parts, a base 16 and a pistonhousing 18.

[0028] Unitary with valve body base 16 is a coupling portion 20extending away from valve body 14. Coupling portion 20 is adapted forsealed connection to a gas source. As illustrated, the source ofcompressed gas is typically a tank 12 and the outside surface ofcoupling portion 20 is then threaded for sealed connection to tank 20.In an alternate arrangement, the gas source takes the form of a fittingextending by hose from a more remote tank, in which case the couplingportion has a configuration for sealed connection to the gas supplyfitting.

[0029] Opposite coupling portion 20 valve body base 16 has an open end22. Between open end 22 and coupling portion 20, valve body base 16defines a fill port 24, an output (gun) port 26 and an inner plugchamber 28 axially aligned with valve body 14. Accordingly, valve bodybase 16 acts as a manifold. As used herein, the phrase port is a generalreference to gas flow inlets to or outlets from a body, chamber, ormanifold etc.

[0030] Fill port 24 and output port 26 preferably include respectiveport adapters 29 and 30 received in the threaded port sockets. Fill portadapter 29 includes an internal seal holder, i.e. check valve (notshown) to seal pressurized gas into tank 12 following a fillingoperation. An internal mesh filter may also be provided in the adapterfor filter dust, etc., from supply tank 12 and the regulator system.

[0031] At coupling portion 20, valve body base 16 defines a dischargeopening 32 and an inlet opening 34, each in communication with tank 12.Extending between discharge opening 32 and plug chamber 28 is a firstconfined flow passageway 36. Passageway 36 delivers compressed gas fromtank 12 into plug chamber 28. Providing a path for compressed gas toenter tank 12 is a second confined flow passageway 38 extending betweenfill port 24 and inlet opening 34.

[0032] First confined flow passageway 36 is preferably equipped with acontoured mesh filter 40. Filter 40 prevents particles and other gasimpurities from entering and fouling the regulator valve mechanisms. Asuitable sintered brass filter of 40 microns is commercially availablefrom Capstan Permaflow (Gardena, Calif.).

[0033] Regulator 10 includes a valve mechanism 42 for controlling theflow of gas from tank 12 to output port 26. Valve mechanism 42 iscomprised of a regulator seat (or valve seat) 44, a valve plug 46positioned in chamber 28, a fluid barrier in the form of a piston 48 anda biasing actuator in the form of a spring 50 with cap 52.

[0034] Piston 48 is axially movable within piston housing 18. Piston 48and regulator seat 44 together define a plenum (or outer) chamber 54.Regulator seat 44, which is preferably unitary with piston housing 18,and defines an orifice (or opening) 56. Valve plug 46 is movable withinplug chamber 28 for sealing engagement with regulator seat 44. Plenumchamber 54 is in gas communication with output port 26 via openings 58.

[0035] Piston housing 18 has an internally threaded open end 60 forreceiving threaded cap 52. Helical spring 50 together with cap 52 urgepiston 48 towards regulator seat 44. The threaded connection allows cap52 to serve as a tension adjustment by turning, and therefore, anadjustment of the output pressure as further explained below. As such,cap 52 includes a crown 62 with a knurled gripping surface.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, regulator 10 is equipped with anon-off valve 64 for selectively blocking the flow of gas from tank 12 toplug chamber 28, and ultimately output port 26. On-off valve 64 isoperably associated with the first passageway 36, dividing it into anupper portion 66 and a lower portion 68. The mechanism for the on-offvalve 64 is mounted within a transverse socket 70 defined in the valvebody base 16.

[0037] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, on-off valve 64 is preferably aspool type valve. Accordingly, on-off valve 64 includes a contouredspool 72 with opposing ends 74 and 76. Each end 74 and 76 includes a tab(or push button) 75 and 77, allowing spool 72 to be easily moved overoperating positions. As illustrated, tab 77 is unitary with spool 72while tab 75 is threadedly mounted.

[0038] A series of internal fittings 78, 80 and 82 create internalpassages and, together with spool 72, chambers which provide a valvingfunction. Having an outer contour, guide fitting 78 together with theside walls of socket 70 define an annular chamber 84 for receiving gasfrom portion 68. Guide fitting 78 defines passages 86 for delivering gasto the center spool space 88. Likewise, guide fitting 80 has passages 90in communication with an annular chamber 92 allowing gas to flow fromthe center spool space to portion 66. Fitting 82 is threaded and screwedinto a threaded portion 94 of socket 70. Fitting 82 together with socketinner flange 96 retains fittings 78 and 80 within socket 70.

[0039] On-off valve 64 is preferably a two-position, three-way valvemovable from an on, or first position where gas flows from tank 12 to anoff, or second, position where gas flow from tank 12 is blocked and plugchamber 28 is vented. The contours of spool 72 and the fittings 78, 80,82 create movable inner annular chambers 88 and 100, and a movable plugportion 102.

[0040] Cross-sectional FIG. 2 shows on-off valve 64 in the on position,where gas can flow from tank 12 to portion 68 of first confined flowpassageway 36, to chamber 84, through passage 86 of fitting 78 and theninto inner chamber 88. From inner chamber 88, gas can then pass throughpassage 90 of fitting 80 into chamber 92 and then on to portion 66 offirst passage 36. On-off valve 64 is preferably configured so that tab75 of spool 72 is recessed within socket 70 when in the on position.

[0041] Fragmentary cross-sectional FIG. 3 is provided to show details ofon-off valve 64 in the alternate off position. When on-off valve 64 isin the off position, plug portion 102 of spool 72 blocks the outlet ofpassage 86 of fitting 78 thereby preventing flow of gas from tank 12towards the plug chamber 28. The off position leaves chamber 92 unsealedin the direction towards fitting 80 and tab 77. This unsealedconfiguration allows pressurized gas to safely escape from the outputside of the regulator through plug chamber 28 and portion 66 of firstpassageway 36, and chamber 92.

[0042]FIGS. 4 through 9 are alternate views showing preferred designdetails of the regulator illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 is anenlarged horizontal cross-sectional view of valve body 14 with thesupply tank feature omitted. FIG. 4 shows side wall 104 and surface 106of open end 22 of valve body base 16. FIG. 4 also shows the portion ofregulator seat 44 which defines orifice 56, and valve plug 46. This viewalso reveals a vertical passageway 108 used to communicate outputpressure to a gauge port 110 below (FIG. 6).

[0043]FIG. 5 is corresponding horizontal cross-section view in adirection opposite FIG. 4. FIG. 5 reveals the same side wall 104 of openend 22, piston housing 18, regulator seat 44 which is preferably unitarywith the piston housing, piston housing 18 includes a plurality ofcircumferentially distributed openings 109 which connect upper portion54A and lower portion 54B of plenum chamber 54 (FIG. 1).

[0044]FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the regulator shown in FIG. 1with supply tank 12 and spool 72 omitted. FIG. 6 shows the base 16 andthe piston housing 18 of valve body 14. Piston housing 18 preferablyincludes contours 111 creating an overall hexagonal shape for receivinga wrench. The side view also reveals piston housing cap 52, couplingportion 20 and filter 40. As discussed above, valve body 14 includes anoutput port 26 and a socket 70 for on-off valve 64. Valve body 14 alsoincludes an overpressure reliever in the form of a burst disc 114mounted within a socket 116. Socket 116 is in gas communication withsupply tank via a passageway (not shown) into annular chamber. FIG. 6also shows output pressure port 110 for receiving a pressure gauge 118(FIG. 7). Port 110 is in gas communication via a vertically extendingpassageway 108 (FIG. 4).

[0045]FIG. 7 is a simplified perspective view of regulator 10 accordingto the present invention. FIG. 7 reveals filling adapter 29 of fill port24, socket 70 with tab 75 of on-off valve 64 and output pressure gauge118 and a supply pressure gauge 120.

[0046]FIG. 8, a vertical cross-sectional view, shows output pressuregauge port 110 and supply pressure gauge port 122. Output pressure gaugeport 110 communicates with plenum chamber 54 via vertical passageway 108defined in valve body 14. Supply pressure gauge port 122 communicateswith plug chamber 28 via a horizontal passageway 124.

[0047] The preferred design includes a number of O-ring seals. Apolyurethane or other elastomeric material is suitable material ofconstruction for the O-rings. Referring again to FIG. 1 and working fromtop to bottom, piston 48 has O-ring 126, the piston housing 18 with openend 22 connection uses an O-ring 128, regulator seat 44 has an O-ring130 for sealing plug chamber 28 from plenum chamber 54. On-off valve 64preferably uses at least four O-rings: O-ring 132 for fitting 78, O-ring134 for sealing between fitting 80 and socket 70, O-ring 135 for sealingbetween insert fitting 80 and 78, and O-ring 136 for fitting 82.Coupling portion 20 also includes an O-ring 138 to enhance theconnection seal with tank 12.

[0048] A wide variety of conventional materials are suitable for makingthe components of regulators embodying the present invention. Thesematerials include metals, notably steels, and various high-strengthcomposites without limitation that all or any of the elements be made ofthe same material.

[0049] Valve body 14, including base 16 and piston housing 18, can bemanufactured from a wide variety of materials having the requisitestrength, rigidity and corrosion resistance. Aluminum and steel aresuitable. A particularly preferred materials of construction arealuminum alloy 6061-T6, 302-304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel.

[0050] The material of construction for valve plug 46 is preferablyrelatively rigid but softer than the material of construction ofregulator seat 44. As noted above, regulator seat 44 is preferablyunitary with piston housing 18. Therefore, valve plug 46 is preferablymade from a polymeric material. Presently preferred are thefluoropolymer compounds such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy fluorocarbon resin(PFA), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE),ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene copolymer (ECTFE),ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) Most preferred is apolychlorotrifloroethylene (PCTFE) commercially available from 3MCompany under the designation “Kel-F.”

[0051] Springs 50 and 140 are optionally made from music wire.

[0052] In operation, tank 12 is filled with on-off valve 64 in the offposition. A supply hose (not shown) is connected to adapter 29 of fillport 24. When activated, compressed gas enters fill port 24 and movesthrough second passageway 38 to inlet opening 34 and then into supplytank 12. Hence, the present invention provides a regulator in which therefilling flow of compressed gas does not enter the plug chamber orother parts of the valve mechanism.

[0053] With output port connected to a compressed gas powered devicesuch as a paint ball gun and on-off valve 64 in the on position,compressed gas moves from tank 12 through first confined flow passageway32 and into plug chamber 28. More specifically, gas moves through thefollowing spaces in sequence, portion 68 of first passageway 28, annularchamber 84, passage 86 of fitting 78, movable chamber 88, passage 90 offitting 80, annular chamber 92, and portion 66 of first passage 36. Fromportion 66, compressed gas enters plug chamber 28.

[0054] From chamber 28, gas flow is dependent upon the operation of thevalve mechanism. Pressure at output port 26 is communicated tospring-biased piston 48 thereby creating a balancing interaction betweenthe force of spring 50 and the force of output pressure. As the outputpressure falls, piston 48 is forced towards regulator seat 44 pushingand moving valve plug 46 towards plug chamber 28 allowing gas to flowaround plug 46. Once released from plug chamber 28, gas flows throughthe following elements to pressurize the output: the upper portion 54Aof plenum chamber 54, openings 109, lower portion 54B of plenum chamber54, passage 58 and then output port 26.

[0055] Both the shape of valve plug 46 and the walls of orifice 56 arepreferably tapered such that a portion of valve plug 46 can extendbeyond orifice 56 of regulator seat 44 for a sealed engagement. As valveplug 46 is pushed down by piston 48, an annular opening is createdbetween valve plug 46 and orifice 56 of regulator seat 44.

[0056] The desired output pressure can be selected by rotating cap 52 toadjust level of force pushing piston 48 towards regulator seat 44. Forease of understanding, gas flow from tank 12 to output port 26 has beendescribed as a continuous phenomena. In regulating operation however,overall gas flow from tank 12 is intermittent, based on the action ofpiston 48 in response to changes in output pressure. When the outputpressure drops quickly as when the attached paint ball gun is fired,regulator 10 acts rapidly to repressurize the paint ball gun.

[0057] When on-off valve 64 is returned to the off position, the flow ofgas from tank 12 is blocked by moving plug 102 of spool 72 and outputport 26 is vented as passage 90 of fitting 80 is left open toatmosphere.

[0058] Applicants note here that it is possible, of course, to labelbase 16 of the valve body and to then describe piston housing 18 as apart separate from the valve body. Both are equally valid conventionsfor describing regulators according to the present invention.

[0059] While specific specifications are generally not critical, thepreferred operating parameters for regulators according to the presentinvention may be informative. Preferred regulators are equipped with aburst disk 114 set for pressures not to exceed about 5000 psi, withusers told not to exceed a tank pressure of 3000 PSI. The presentregulators are preferably supplied with compressed nitrogen, CO₂ orclean air. The desired output pressure necessarily varies with the typeof device to be powered. Typical paint ball guns call for a shootingpressure of about 400 to about 950 psi.

[0060] Pressure regulators according to the present invention have anumber of beneficial features. For example, the separate refillingcircuit protects internal valve components such as the valve plug andthe regulator seat from the force, fouling and temperature change causedby the intense stream of refilling gas.

[0061] The foregoing specification and drawings are to be taken asillustrative but not limiting of the present invention. Still otherconfigurations and embodiments utilizing the spirit and scope of thepresent invention are possible, and will readily present themselves tothose skilled in the art.

We claim:
 1. A regulator for receiving high pressure gas from a gassource and outputting lower pressure gas, the regulator comprising: ahollow valve body having a coupling portion unitary therewith, thecoupling portion being adapted for sealed connection to the gas source,the valve body defining a fill port, an output port, an inner plugchamber and discharge and inlet openings in the coupling portion, eachin communication with the gas source, the valve body also defining afirst confined flow passageway in communication between the plug chamberand the discharge opening, the valve body further defining a secondconfined flow passageway in communication between the fill port and theinlet opening; and a valve mechanism in the valve body for controllingthe flow of gas from the gas source to the output port, the valvemechanism including a regulator seat, a valve plug positioned in theplug chamber and movable therein for sealing engagement with theregulator seat, a fluid barrier axially movable with respect to thevalve body and together with the regulator seat defining a plenumchamber in communication with the output port, and a biasing actuatorurging the fluid barrier toward the regulator seat.
 2. The regulatoraccording to claim 1 wherein the material of construction of the valveplug is polymeric.
 3. The regulator according to claim 1 wherein thematerial of construction of the valve plug is a fluoropolymer compound.4. The regulator according to claim 1 wherein the material ofconstruction of the valve body is an aluminum.
 5. The regulatoraccording to claim 1 wherein the regulator seat is made of a materialwith a hardness greater than the valve plug.
 6. The regulator accordingto claim 1 wherein the material of construction of the valve plug is apolychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE).
 7. The regulator according to claim1 wherein the valve body has an open end opposite the coupling portionthat forms a barrier housing for receiving the barrier, the biasingactuator being a spring compressed between the fluid barrier and a capthreadedly received in the open end whereby the cap can be turned toadjust the tension of the spring.
 8. The regulator according to claim 1wherein the coupling portion is a unitary fitting extending away fromthe valve body, the fitting having external threads for engaging a gassource.
 9. The regulator according to claim 1 including an on-off valveoperably associated within the first confined flow passageway forstarting and stopping the flow of gas from the gas source.
 10. Theregulator according to claim 9 including a spool valve in the firstconfined flow passageway for turning off the flow of gas from the gassource.
 11. The regulator according to claim 10 wherein the spool valveincludes a spool with opposing ends slidably engaged in a transversesocket defined in the valve body, at least one of the ends of the spoolhaving a tab for finger actuation of the valve spool.
 12. The regulatoraccording to claim 10 wherein the spool valve is a two-positionthree-way valve movable from a position where the first passageway isopen between the gas source and the plug chamber and a second positionwherein the first passageway towards the gas source is blocked and thefirst passageway to plug chamber is open to space around the regulator.13. The regulator according to claim 1 including a valve plug springpositioned in the guide chamber urging the valve plug towards the valveseat.
 14. A regulator for receiving high pressure gas from a gas sourceand outputting lower pressure gas, the regulator comprising: a hollowvalve body including a base, a gas source coupling unitary with thebase, and a piston housing, threadedly secured to an open end of thebase and together with the open end defining an outer chamber, thecoupling portion being adapted for sealed connection to the gas source,the valve body having an open end and defining an inner, axial guidechamber, an orifice between the guide chamber and the open end, thevalve body also defining an output port in communication with the outerchamber, the valve body further defining a discharge opening in thecoupling portion in communication with the gas source and a confinedflow passageway in communication between the guide chamber and theopening; a polymeric valve plug positioned in the inner guide chamberand movable therein for sealing engagement with the orifice; a fluidbarrier positioned in the piston housing and movable with respect to thevalve body; and a biasing actuator urging the fluid barrier toward theregulator seat.
 15. The regulator according to claim 14 wherein thebiasing actuator is force adjustable.
 16. The regulator according toclaim 14 wherein the piston housing has an open top and the biasingactuator includes a cap, theadedly secured to the open top and a springin the piston housing and compressed by the cap such that the cap can beturned to adjust the biasing tension.
 17. The regulator according toclaim 14 wherein the valve body further defines a gauge port in fluidcommunication with the outer chamber for providing an indication of theoutput pressure.
 18. The regulator according to claim 14 wherein thevalve body further defines a gauge port in fluid communication with theguide chamber for providing an indication of the pressure of the gassource.
 19. The regulator according to claim 14 including anoverpressure reliever mounted to the valve body.
 20. The regulatoraccording to claim 19 wherein the overpressure reliever is a burst diskmounted to a socket defined in the valve body, the socket being incommunication with the guide chamber.
 21. The regulator according toclaim 14 including an on-off valve operably associated within theconfined flow passageway for starting and stopping the flow of gas fromthe gas source.
 22. The regulator according to claim 14 including aspool valve in the confined flow passageway for turning off the flow ofgas from the gas source.
 23. The regulator according to claim 22 whereinthe spool valve includes a spool with opposing ends slidably engaged ina transverse socket defined in the valve body, at least one of the endsof the spool having a tab for finger actuation of the valve spool. 24.The regulator according to claim 22 wherein the spool valve is atwo-position three-way valve movable from a position where the firstpassageway is open between the gas source and the plug chamber and asecond position wherein the first passageway towards the gas source isblocked and the first passageway to plug chamber is open to space aroundthe regulator.
 25. A gas pressure regulator for receiving high pressuregas from a gas source and outputting lower pressure gas, the regulatorcomprising: a manifold base having at one end a gas source couplingportion unitary therewith, an open opposite end, a fill port, and anoutput port, the coupling portion being adapted for sealed connection tothe gas source, the manifold base defining an axial valve guide socketin the open end, the manifold base also defining a first opening at thecoupling portion and a first confined flow passageway in communicationbetween the fill port and the guide chamber; the manifold base furtherdefining a second inlet opening in the coupling portion and a secondconfined flow passageway in communication between the inlet opening andthe fill port; a fluid barrier subassembly mounted to the open end ofthe manifold base, the fluid barrier subassembly including a barrierhousing, a fluid barrier movable within the barrier housing, a regulatorseat positioned between the fluid barrier and the guide socket, and atension adjustable bias actuator urging the fluid barrier toward theregulator seat, the valve seat and the guide socket together defining aninner guide chamber in communication with the first confined flowpassageway and an outer plenum chamber; and a polymeric valve plugpositioned in the socket and moveable therein for sealing engagementwith the regulator seat.